I really would like to use cloth for me. But I have no cash. I do have a stash of great flannel. Could anyone give me some pointers, tips and advice on making my own? I haven't even looked at a glad rags up close or anything so I need lotsa help.
TIA!

I fold over the terry cloth (cut in long strips as long as I want the pad) three times to make a 2 1/2 inch or 3 inch wide pad (and six to eight inches long). Then I stitch that together firmly so it doesn't fall apart, to make a square within the pad - I make the rectangle about 1/2 inch from each side.

Then I cut a square of flannel 1/2 inch wider than the pad, and sew them together following the same basic lines as the first "rectangle" stitched. Now the two pieces are attached.

Then I stitch "clean up". I use a serge stitch or as close as my machine will come to doing that, and stitch the loose edges of the rectangle to the flannel, so that it is all attached.

It now should look like a pad at the store, with a rectangular "bowl" with "rims" around it.

I don't use any waterproofing fabric on the back, I've never had problems with leaking, though I don't use them for heavy flow days.

I also make them in a hourglass shape, with various depths of terry cloth, depending on how thick I want them. I discovered that the flannel I used was too thick, though, and it makes me sweat - though it DOES breathe more than the icky plastic disposable ones. I'm now using lighter flannel.

Oh, and WASH the fabrics you use before you sew them, or they may shrink. You can be thrifty and use old terry bath towels, too and give them another life

With pads like these, I won't feel bad about tossing them when they get stained or raggedy, you know? Or, I could just RE-stitch them - it's not like anyone is going to INSPECT them!

I think this would be a cute gift for a newly menstruating girl, a bunch of cute light pads with cutsie flannel on the back - with instructions and a welcome to the club card If she is so inclined....

Madison, I love your idea of making them for a gift. I was thinking that very thing as I was stitching mine. Unfortunately, I can't think of anyone right now that would see it as a good gift. Oh, well
I used the pattern from the website you gave Mamax3. I liked it and I really did start right away. I was running out of disposable pads and was in a situation where more would be good, now. Anyway, I love them so much. It does feel so much better. I feel so much better about wearing them too.
I have a question for you, Madison. Do you do anything to attach your pads, or do they stay put on their own? I am always so worried that something will "shift" and not be where it needs to be.
I think I will try the terry cloth the next time too. That is an excellent idea. Thank you very much.

i made some pads a long time ago and still use them....they stay in place mostly by using wings w/snaps. i haven't looked at the pattern posted so i don't knowif those have wings...these work pretty good. velcro didn't work as well for me cuz it rubbed. i might have done that wrong though.....
reminds me, i need to make some new ones!! i want to get fancy next time...w/fleece on them, etc. Fun!